Description
Crispy air fryer fried chicken brings Southern comfort to your kitchen with minimal oil. Juicy meat and golden-brown crust make this recipe a quick, healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying that you will crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Marination: Immerse chicken in a zesty buttermilk and hot sauce concoction, guaranteeing complete saturation. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to infuse deep flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Seasoning Preparation: Craft a robust coating by blending flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a wide container, creating a flavor-packed dry mixture.
- Coating and Preparation: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drain. Thoroughly dredge each piece in the spice-laden flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a uniform, crisp exterior. Preheat air fryer to 375F (190C) while coating the chicken.
- Air Frying Process: Lightly mist the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Spray or brush chicken surface with additional oil to maximize crispiness. Cook for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway to ensure even browning and reaching an internal temperature of 165F (75C).
- Serving: Rest the chicken briefly to redistribute juices, then serve hot with preferred dipping sauces or accompanying side dishes for a mouthwatering meal.
Notes
- Marinate Strategically: Buttermilk bath helps break down proteins, making chicken incredibly tender and infusing deep flavor, so don’t rush the marinating process.
- Coating Technique Matters: Press seasoning mixture firmly into chicken to create a uniform, crispy crust that locks in moisture and delivers maximum crunch.
- Oil Application Tip: Light oil spray ensures golden, crispy exterior without making chicken greasy; use minimal amount for best results.
- Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature hits 165F, guaranteeing safe consumption while maintaining juicy chicken texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg